About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a significant life transition, such as moving to a new neighborhood or starting a new school, and feels the heavy weight of social anxiety. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows ten-year-old Allie as she leaves her familiar city life for a house on a street with the magical name of Strawberry Hill. While the setting is historical, the emotional core is timeless: the yearning for a best friend, the fear of not fitting in, and the complicated dynamics of childhood cliques. Parents will appreciate the gentle pacing and the realistic way Mary Ann Hoberman depicts Allie's inner world. It is an excellent choice for 8 to 12 year olds who need to see that their feelings of loneliness are normal and that finding where you belong takes time, patience, and a little bit of courage. It serves as a comforting reminder that 'home' is something we build through connections with others.
